A Legacy of Art, History, and Hope That Still Belongs to the Community

In the heart of Mount Vernon stands a place where stories have been preserved, cultures have been honored, and creativity has been celebrated for nearly half a century. The AC-BAW Center for the Arts has been more than a building. It has been a sanctuary for artists, a classroom for children, a gathering space for elders, and a cultural heartbeat for Westchester County since 1976.

For decades, AC-BAW has lifted the voices, visions, and lived experiences of multicultural communities. It is the first community arts center of its kind in Westchester, built specifically to empower the people who call this region home. Through exhibitions, arts education, youth programs, jazz concerts, cultural heritage projects, and community services, AC-BAW has preserved stories that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Honoring the Artists Who Shape Our Shared History

AC-BAW has showcased local and global talent, from painters and sculptors to photographers and musicians. Its past exhibits have celebrated African American history, honored historic figures featured on U.S. postage stamps, highlighted jazz album cover art, and presented the works of icons like George Wilson, whose classical artistry continues to inspire new generations.

Its programs have introduced children to the beauty of creativity through the Children’s Arts Institute, brought jazz concerts to the community through Jazz on the Avenue, and given emerging artists a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

A Community Center That Has Always Belonged to the People

What makes AC-BAW remarkable is its unwavering commitment to service. It has always been more than a gallery. It has been a hub for:

• Arts education for all ages
• Cultural exhibits that preserve and uplift community identity
• Workshops, seminars, and film events
• Public art programs and commissions
• School partnerships
• Community arts consultations
• Affordable rental space for gatherings and celebrations

Generations have walked through its doors and found belonging, pride, and inspiration.

A New Chapter Rooted in Vision and Renewal

After nearly fifty years of service, AC-BAW stands ready for revitalization. The organization is preparing to preserve its historic legacy while evolving into an even greater force for the community. The “Moving the Vision Forward” initiative outlines a future where arts, entrepreneurship, housing, education, and community services all work together to uplift the people of Mount Vernon.

The vision includes expanded cultural arts programming, rehabilitated facilities, support for local artists, housing development that supports affordability, entrepreneurship opportunities, and a center that continues to serve as a cultural anchor for Westchester.

Your Support Helps the Vision Live On

Every act of generosity helps AC-BAW:

• Restore and rehabilitate its historic building
• Expand arts programming for children and seniors
• Support multicultural artists who need space to create
• Preserve exhibits that celebrate Black history and community heritage
• Provide workshops, concerts, and community events
• Strengthen Mount Vernon’s economic and cultural vibrancy

Your contribution becomes part of a movement to protect one of Westchester’s most important cultural institutions. It becomes a commitment to the artists, families, elders, and young people who deserve access to creativity, history, and community connection.

Together, We Can Keep the Vision Alive

AC-BAW has carried the voices of its people for nearly fifty years. With your support, it will continue shaping stories, preserving culture, and inspiring the next generation of artists, innovators, and community leaders.

Art is memory.
Art is identity.
Art is legacy.

And AC-BAW is where that legacy continues to live.

ACBAW

Team Members